A Midsummer Night's Dream
William Shakespeare
Four young lovers and a group of amateur actors wander into an enchanted forest where they become pawns in a dispute between the King and Queen of the Fairies. Through the use of a magic love potion chaos ensues as affections shift wildly before order is restored. The play is a whimsical and magical exploration of love imagination and the world of dreams. It remains one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed and beloved comedies for all ages.
Nick Bottom: A comical weaver who is transformed into an ass and becomes the object of a fairy queen's affection. Puck: A mischievous sprite who delights in creating chaos among the mortals and fairies. Helena: A desperate lover whose tenacity and self-pity provide much of the play's comedic tension.
First Performance: 1605, at Globe Theatre, London
Likely written for an aristocratic wedding; it was an immediate favorite for its spectacle and humor.
Original Actors: Unknown